Florida Drug Dealer Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison

WASHINGTON – Nelson Castillo, 33, of Tampa, Fla., was sentenced today on drug charges and for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division Matthew Friedrich and U.S. Attorney A. Brian Albritton for the Middle District of Florida announced.

Castillo was sentenced by District Court Judge Susan C. Bucklew in Tampa to 15 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and to 10 years in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The prison terms will run concurrent to one another. Castillo pleaded guilty on July 17, 2008, to the charges for which he was sentenced.

According to court documents, Castillo was arrested on Dec. 5, 2006, by the Tampa Police Department Narcotics Squad in a closed night club in the Ybor City area of Tampa. According to information contained in court documents, Castillo was attempting to purchase multiple kilograms of cocaine when he was arrested. Three firearms were recovered, and more than $116,500 in cash was seized at the time of his arrest.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Walter E. Furr and Trial Attorney Jerry D. Massie of the Criminal Division's Gang Squad Unit. The case was jointly investigated by FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the Tampa Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.